Mr. BennetTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the research project on developing a hedgerow evaluation scheme currently being carried out by the Agricultural Development Advisory Service was won by competitive tender; how his Department commissioned the project; and if he will make a statement. [19399]
§ Mr. AtkinsThis research project was won by competitive tender. It was commissioned through a research contract under the Department's countryside research and long-term monitoring programme. The tender submitted by the Agricultural Development Advisory Service represented best value for money.